(Washington, D.C.) – The American Lawyer has named Akin Gump senior counsel Vernon E. Jordan Jr. as a recipient of its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The awards recognize those with long and distinguished careers and a dedication to public service. “Honorees this year have had very different careers, but all extraordinary careers,” said Kim Kleman, editor-in-chief of The American Lawyer. “They’re lions of the profession.”

Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith added, “Vernon Jordan’s accomplishments, both with Akin Gump and elsewhere in public and private life, have been nothing short of remarkable. It is tremendously gratifying and inspiring to see someone who so fully exemplifies Akin Gump’s core values of integrity and commitment receive such a prestigious recognition.”

Characterized by Am Law as “one of Washington, D.C.’s preeminent power brokers,” Mr. Jordan was cited for a “wide-ranging career” that has included, among other roles, “civil rights lawyer, president and CEO of the National Urban League, corporate board member [and] confidante to former President Bill Clinton.” About these, Mr. Jordan noted, “I’ve had a lot of great jobs.”

In the profile published to coincide with the announcement of his recognition, The American Lawyer outlined Mr. Jordan’s career, including his involvement in the civil rights movement, which formally began as a clerk to civil rights attorney Donald Hollowell. After Mr. Hollowell sued the University of Georgia for its racist admission policies and won, Mr. Jordan escorted the school’s first two African-American students through an angry white mob to the admission office. Mr. Jordan continued his engagement with the civil rights movement through work at the Southern Regional Council and the presidency of the National Urban League. He also served as executive director of the United Negro College Fund.

This is the 11th year that The American Lawyer has presented the awards. Akin Gump co-founder Amb. Robert Strauss, who recruited his fellow Xerox board member to join the firm in 1981, was among those selected for the inaugural group in 2004. To read more about Amb. Strauss’ recognition, please click here.

Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 850 attorneys in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.